Synthetic fabrics are textiles made from man-made rather than natural fibers. Man-made fiber textiles have been redefining fashion trends across the globe. Its vibrancy, durability and opulence lend a uniqueness that’s virtually unmatched and unparalleled.
India is one of the few countries that has the complete supply chain, right from diverse fibres to a range of fabrics and made-ups. It is capable of delivering customized packages to customers. Today, India supplies a wide variety of fibres, yarns in different counts, fabrics in an amazing range of textures and finishes and exquisite made-ups. Some examples of synthetic fabrics are polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, spandex, latex and Kevlar.
This industry accounts for about 2.09 billion kg i.e. 44%, of man-made fiber or yarn industry. Industrial output of India synthetic fiber industry during 2004-05 amounted to 774.65 million kg. The product of this industry includes polyester staple fiber, acrylic staple fiber and polypropylene staple fiber. The import of India synthetic fiber industry showed a mixed trend over the last five years and its import doubled to 143.54 million kg during 2004-05. Further, the export of India synthetic fiber industry had grown by 50% during the same.
The total market size of man-made and synthetic fibres is estimated as follows:
Polyester stable fibre Rs. 65 bn
Polyester filament yarn Rs.125 bn
Acrylic staple fibre Rs.12 bn
Nylon filament yarn Rs. 9 bn
Viscose filament yarn Rs. 10 bn
The industry is highly technology intensive. Some world leaders like E.I DuPont and ICI, which are usually reluctant to part with their technologies, have been dominant in the industry. Reliance was successful to rope in the world known technology suppliers